Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-10-20

ssI don't think Earl and Bess spoke
the next trip, nor the next, nor the next.
The stranger was still at the Bush house.
knew from the turn affairs had taken,
or were taking, that Earl and Bessie's
wedding was off, Although he had never
told me as much, knew that it couldn't
be otherwise.
sThe next trip we made was Earl's
wedding night. He had on his overalls,
and was unusually solemn and morose, not
Speaking to or even looking at me during
the run of fifty miles. Twas on the point
once or twice of asking him if this was
not his wedding night, but ] did not,
knowing too well that it was either in
definitely postponed or off forever.
"When we stepped into the Office that
night old Bush met us at the door.
"Fife minute too late, poys!" he ex-
claimed, grasping both our hands at the
same time.
"'Why? Is supper over?" I asked.
"'No, no; plenty Nv SUPPER he reblied,
still holding our hands. 'Extrie supply
NV supper. Der vedden'! der veddin'
watts shust happen"
"sThe wedding?' asked Earl and I,
in breath. who's married?'
"sWhy, mine Bess and Mr.. Eubanks,
Nv course. Dey takes der bridal trip
terectly.'
"Earl fell back in dismay. Poor fell
low! L had felt all day as though l knew
this would happen.
"'Bess married' he gasped, looking as
white as sheet, as he clutched my hand.
"'Yes, answered the seemingly jubi
liant German, 'und dey leaf on your train
ternighd.'
"sAhv answered Earl as he stI ode back
to his engine. Tender her my congratu
laions.'
"Tbat was all he said.
"What had he resolved upon?"
81 went in to supper, feeling about as
badly as Earl, imagined, for was real
ly sorry for him. There were the bride
and groom, looking as happy as couple
could look.
"'Where is Mr.. WendaIl, Uncle Tom
ny?' asked Bess, as [ walked in.
"What should I say?
"'He's not coming to supper to- night,
I replied; 'he is not feeling WE'LL
"'rm sorry was her comforting re-
ply.
81 congratulated them, as under the
circumstances was compelled to do, but
I could better have wrung the williams
that he was d william.
81 came out to the train with the bride
and groom. They got on the coach at
tached to the freight, put on as an &C
comodation for passengers. [ went on
down to the engine, and found Earl sit
ting upon the box with his face buried
in his hands. He was the very picture of
desp pair. A dark scowl overspread his
countenance. As climbed upon the en-
CINE low groan ESCAPED his tightly
closed lips. Poor Earl! What could I do
or say to cheer him up in this hour of his
utter despair? While was thus think
ing, knowing not what to say, fearing [
might wound instead of comfort him, he
suddenly turned upon me with look [
shall never forget. His eyes, usually
bright and sparkling, were now flashing
fire. He had nursed his wrath as long as
he could, and now it burst forth in all its
fury. His teeth chartered and his face
was livid with rage.
g sWhere are they?' he asked, grasping
the throttle of his engine.
"'They have bearded the train I an
swered, in as quiet tone as possible.
"'Then they go with us?'
eyes
"'Where to-what placer
Providence, believe"
every WE'LL he said, in quiet tone.
SPY this time dark, heavy orsinous
cloud had gathered in the east. I never
saw cloud gathered as quickly and when
we left that station it was amidst the
thunder's roar and the Hghtning's flash.
The lightning fairly danced on the track
before us. The rain came down in tor
rents, and altogether it was a very desc
late night.
Earl Wendall pulled his engine wide
open, and she shot out like cannon ball.
Faster and faster we went, until the cars
jumped and ratified as though they were
going to leave the track every minute. 1
hardly knew when we reached the first
station. We whizzed by like a streak,
not checking in the least. The rain was
by this time binding. My hair fairly
stood on end. Earl, seeing how frighten-
ed was gave a loud laugh, which chilled
me to the very marrow Of my bones, I
understood him now. He intended to
vun the train of the track, if possible,
and let every soul on board parish. Be-
fore was aware of what he was doing
he had disappeared through the cab win
dow and was making for the head of the
engine. In another instant the head
l1gQG WAS OUT! DE udQ turned III OH, ana
we were plunging into utter darkness at
the rate of thirty miles an hour!
Coming back into the engine with
his pistol in his hand to took his sea. on
the box and gave himself up to the most
hiiario1s laughter. l made spring to
his side, with the intention OF shutting
her off, but he slapped his cooked pistol
in my face, and cried:
"'Back, Tom, or you are dead mani
But, Earl 1 said, you will run the
train off and the cause fearful destruc-
ton to life and property
=" That is what I want to don heEscream-
ed, with another laugh.
''By this time the conductor, knowing
something was wrong, came over tho cars,
followed by two or three passengers,
among them Eubanks.
"'What is the luatter?' asked the con-
ductor as he sprang on to the engine.
Z" 'Stand back! shouted Earl, with his
pistol presented. I'm running this en-
CINE, and the first man who attempts to
interfere is dead mani
"Eubanks made a rush at Earl, who at
sight of his rival, fairly foamed with